Choosing child care is an important decision: you’re looking for a safe, healthy environment that supports your child’s needs.

In Alberta, the government’s Children and Youth Services department sets the standards for child care. It defines the different options available as follows:

• Day care programs serve infants, toddlers and pre-school aged children (two and a half to six years of age).
• Family day homes offer care in a private residence. There are typically six or less children with one caregiver.
• Group family child care programs offer care in a private residence. There are typically between seven and 10 children with two caregivers.
• Out-of-school care programs operate before and after school, during lunch hours and sometimes when schools are closed.
• Pre-schools offer child care for four or less hours a day.

Children and Youth Services also offers subsidies to help lower income parents cover the costs of child care. The subsidies are available for eligible low- and middle-income parents who wish to use a licensed pre-school or child care facility.

To find Calgary day cares, pre-schools, family day homes, out of school care or group family child care, the government has a great child care search tool.